When he announces he’s done, I snap myself out of my daze and spin around, acknowledging his new attire, wolf whistling as I openly drink him in. “I’m glad you never hired that stylist, Reedy boy, becausedamn, you can dress yourself. Looking good.”
“Thanks, Hayls. I try.” He shrugs and I grin.
“Soo…now that we’ve both acknowledged what a hot couple we are, I believe there was talk of gifts?”
Reed’s entire demeanour changes and he nods, walking over to his bag with a bounce in his step. But when he stands, his expression turns nervous. “I thought this was a good idea at the time, but now I’m regretting it.”
“Why?” My brows crease as I try to see through him to the gift behind his back.
“It’s very coupley.”
My expression lifts as excitement swells in my chest, and my eyes follow the little bag when he shifts it in front of him. “Good thing we’re a couple then.” I bite back my smile, only letting it shine when he chuckles.
“You’re right. Merry Christmas, Hayls.” He pulls a small box out of the bag and places it in my outstretched hand, and after dropping the bag, he steps back, tucking his hands into his pockets.
A nervous yet giddy energy runs through me as I open the box, and when I find what’s inside, I gasp.
“Reed!” My hand flies to my mouth. “My God. It’s beautiful.”And must have cost a fortune.
I stare down in awe at the classic diamond and gold tennis bracelet, my eyes wide as my heart beats chaotically in my chest. This man pays attention. I drooled over this very bracelet when I saw it in a store window the day we went shopping. A store I’veneverthought to walk into because until now, I’ve never been able to afford any of their creations.
“This is—”
“I know. I hope that’s okay.” He rocks back on his heels, and it’s so freaking adorable that my heart jolts. “I could tell you wanted it, but that you were holding back and—”
“It’s perfect,” I reassure him, though that’s not enough. I don’t have the right words to say, except maybe… “All I got you was a set of wireless earbuds.”
I grimace and Reed chuckles low, pulling me into a hug. “I needed a new pair,” he says with a smile in his voice, rocking me from side to side.
“That’s why I got them.” Pulling away, I reach behind the couch where I hid Reed’s present and hand it over. “Here.”
He’s quick to open the bag and when he sees the little box, he smiles. “They’re perfect, Hayls. My favorite brand.”
I knew that too but I don’t mention it out loud.
Reed disappears to put his earbuds with his belongings while I fight with the clasp of my bracelet, trying to secure it on my wrist before he gets back.
“Wait, let me.” His voice comes from behind me, his breath warming my neck before he steps around and reaches for my present. His fingers zap my skin as he fastens the delicate clasp, and when he lingers for a second longer than required, I step back.
“Thank you,” I rush out, hoping he doesn’t notice the emotion in my voice. “What time is it? Should we get going?”
Reed’s eyes snap to mine and he forces a smile as he lightly shakes his head. “Yes…” He nods. “Definitely.” He nods again, seemingly just as affected as I am. “Let’s get this party started.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Hayley
Bria catches Reed’s eyes the second we walk in, waving to him from across the bar. I force a smile, waiting for him to excuse himself, but he surprises me, circling an arm around my waist, pulling me tight against him. “I told her this is new,” he tilts his head in to whisper, “and that we’re seeing how things go.”
“Taking each day as it comes? I like it. And she’s smiling.” I glance up at him, giving him a reassuring smile. “That’s a good start, right?”
Reed mentioned that Bria knew about us while we were on the way here, but before he could go into detail, a car cut in front of us, and we got distracted, never finishing the conversation.
“It is good.” He squeezes my waist. “And I can already tell it’s genuine.” He hits me with a soft smile of his own, but when it doesn’t reach his eyes, it’s difficult to tell if he’s happy or upset. Because, does that mean she doesn’t have feelings for him? As much as he says that’s a good thing, I’m not so sure that he means it.
When we reach Bria, she pulls me into a quick hug before turning her attention to Reed, and I don’t want to be judgey…but it felt forced.
“It’s about time you found yourself a girl.” She smiles up at him. “I’m so happy for you both.”
